OK, we’ve covered several months’ worth of all the regular titles I have from 1986. Today we’re gonna look at a few “odds ‘n’ ends” books I have mixed in here, such as ...
Batman annual 10 (DC Comics, 1986) — This story is a classic Hugo Strange tale, at least for me. The evil genius sets about not so much defeating Batman nor Bruce Wayne, but almost erasing them from existence as he slowly takes everything away from the Wayne Foundation to the manor to freezing all bank accounts and assets, making Batman realize how much he depends on the wealth of Bruce Wayne to function. Then things get even more personal when Strange takes away Alfred and Jason.
Aquaman 1-4 (DC Comics, 1986) — Now this story is a little bit different. I was a little disappointed with this miniseries when it first came out in 1986. At that time, I liked Aquaman, but wasn’t as familiar with the character. I didn’t know about his fiery temper as that wasn’t how he was depicted on the Superfriends or in the issues of Justice League of America which I’d read. And I didn’t much care for the new blue camouflage costume. And I didn’t know who these other underwater races were. I didn’t even know who Ocean Master was at that time. So, I just didn’t care for this series much initially. In fact, I even committed the horrible sin of parting with my original copies of this series at some point, only to have to hunt down the back issues when I decided to give the series another try a few years later.
Series writer Neal Pozner takes some factual information about Atlantis, combines it with supposition and various other fictional depictions of Atlantis and combines them all into the back story that forms the basis for this series. Then he uses that tapestry of information and previous story-telling to completly destroy Aquaman’s current status quo. New Venice is destroyed. Aquaman is despised in Poseidonis. And his half-brother, Orm, is collecting mystical artifacts in an effort to finally best Arthur. In trying to hunt down Ocean Master, Aquaman comes across some savage underwater races, some mystical ones, and even learns some new things himself along the way. How could I do any less? This still isn’t my favorite Aquaman story, but it is an important part of the history of both Atlantis and the King of the Seven Seas.
And that brings us to the fall of 1986 with our retro-reviews, but in case you haven’t noticed, in the real world, we’re almost halfway through the month of November. Most recent batch of new comics has arrived, and I have started digging into those, although not as far as I’d like to be. So, here’s a few quick thoughts on some more timely books:
52 Week Twenty-Two (DC Comics) — OK, I just gotta ask: Who the hell is Super-Chief? I remember an Apache Chief from the Super Friends show, but no Super-Chief or any other American Indian super characters, not in DC’s stable, anyway. The evil versions of the Metal Men were kinda interesting. Has that been done before? All the evil genius robotics experts, seems like someone would’ve thought of it before ...
Jalila 5 (AK Comics) — Overall, I was a little disappointed in the AK Comics this month after giving them some hype last time around. The writing seemed slightly more disjointed in this title compared to last month.
Rakan 5 (AK Comics) — This title still holds a little promise. This was the first of a two-part story where the lone warrior joins a gang of thieves. It isn’t explicitly stated, but I assume he infiltrated them to break the ring up.
Zein 5 (AK Comics) — The writing in this title also suffered somewhat, which makes sense since the writer of this title and Jalila are the same. But Zein is even worse than Jalila was. Early in the book, a villain previously captured escapes. Zein is there in his secret identity, but spends almost 4 1/2 pages doing little other than talking to himself. Part way through the fight, he makes the decision to not change to Zein but let the villain escape and follow him. Two panels later, he thinks to himself, “If I could just change into Zein, I’d stop him!” So, why can’t he change, other than his own decision not to. I hear that this line of books is going to graphic novel form in a few months. Maybe bigger will be better, but this month was not a good showing for AK.
Mystery In Space 2 (DC Comics) — Or maybe I’m just being overly critical, because the first issue of this series was good, but this one just left me feeling ... I don’t know what, but not much of it.
Outsiders 41 (DC Comics) — This book was a little better. We’re still moving veeeeeeerrrrrrrryyyyyy slowly, but we do seem to be moving toward some resolutions to how and why the Outsiders were believed dead? how this book interacts with the rest of the DCU? just what is Grace’s secret that they keep alluding to? how and why Sivana has been manipulating the group since Day 1? just what Winick is thinking?
Agents of Atlas 3 (Marvel Comics) — And finally, we end on a high note. This comic remains fun. Maybe I’d feel differently if I was familiar with any of these characters from before, but I’m not. So I don’t care as some history is likely rewritten. I’m just enjoying the modern story of a group of one-time heroes re-uniting to save the world once again.
That’s it for today. Thanks for stopping by, and see ya next time, kiddie-cops.
Showing posts with label Rakan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rakan. Show all posts
Friday, November 10, 2006
Friday, October 13, 2006
Give It A Try — What Can It Hurt?
One of the nice things about this hobby is the variety of subject matter out there, and I like to try new titles and genres from time to time. Sure, you end up spending a little money on something you might not like so much; just like paying to see a movie or play and then being disappointed in it for whatever reason. But every now and then, you find a gem that makes the small risk all worth it; something you would have missed if not for taking the chance. If you don’t already do this, I highly recommend it once in a while.
Several months ago, I heard about AK Comics, a small company producing superhero comics, but with Middle Eastern settings and characters. The concept of the familiar-style heroes done in and by another culture sounded interesting to me, so I read some more. Apparently the company is a couple years old and has already been publishing their line in the Middle East. They are just now bringing the comics to the U.S.
I decided to give them a try, just to see how different they were, how good, if I liked them. Unfortunately, by the time I’d heard of them, it was too late to order the first issue of their four titles. I figured, hey, the first issue would be nice, but I’m just trying them out, so I’ll take what I can get and worry about the first issues later, if I like what I read. So I ordered the fourth issues of Aya, Jalila, Rakan and Zein, all of which arrived with my most recent shipment of new comics.
My initial reactions are somewhat mixed, but I am interested enough to try some more. The art on all four titles is somewhat more cartoony than I would have expected from the covers. Most of the color interiors are along the lines of Justice League Unlimited or something similar. All of the characters are set slightly in a “post-apocalyptic future” that doesn’t look that much different from today to me so far. Rakan is set in the past. In these particular issues, Aya and Jalila, both female leads, were obviously part of ongoing stories, while Rakan and Zein, both males, were stand-alone stories, a little more satisfying in a trial issue. If I had to pick a favorite of the four right now, it would probably be Zein. A least favorite so far would by Aya. The one I most want to like would be Jalila. For a little more information, read on.
Aya, Princess of Darkness 4 (AK Comics) — This young woman, Rania, is a skilled fighter with a quick mind, but no actual powers — think Batgirl or a non-sonic Black Canary. She takes direction from a benefactor, Number Zero, who supplies her with information and targets, then works to bring them to justice. A new power has moved in and has been killing off rival gang bosses in an effort to take control of crime in Aya’s city. She tries to intervene and prevent the slayings of two crime bosses, but fails each time against the assassin, One Bullet. Still, she is deemed a threat, and the mastermind threatens to add three other costumed assassins to One Bullet in an effort to slay Aya in the next issue.
Jalila, Protector of the City of All Faiths 4 (AK Comics) — Ansam is a nuclear scientist who also possesses a radiation suit designed by her parents which helps her focus her powers into electrical radiation blasts of varying intensity. This issue begins after Jalila has been captured by an enemy. She revives and escapes by burning her guards, telling them, “ Don’t worry about those radiation burns on your necks — they’ll go away in about a year! In the meantime, stay out of trouble or the next burn marks will be permanent!” Much of the rest of the issue alternates between Jalila trying to determine what the bad guys are planning, and checking up on her two brothers, one of whom has unknowingly gotten mixed up with the villains.
Rakan, the Lone Warrior 4 (AK Comics) — For this character, think Conan in Egypt. The young child was part of a nomadic tribe slaughtered by barbarians. Little Rakan, the lone survivor, was taken in and raised by a sabertooth cat. Raised in this environment, next to his brother sabertooth, Arameh, the young man grew to adulthood. Upon leaving the sabertooths, he met a mystic leader in a hidden oasis. This man taught Rakan to fight, and in exchange, Rakan now wandres the desert searching for the man’s kidnapped daughter. In this issue, Rakan and Arameh come across the aftermath of a fierce battle. Rakan rescues a single female captive still alive, and at her urging, takes her to the nearest kingdom where she says she was sent on a peace mission. Once in the kingdom, however, Rakan finds things not as he expected.
Zein, the Last Pharaoh 4 (AK Comics) — Zein, like Aya and Jalila, typically takes place in the future. However, the character is supposed to be almost immortal, having been born in 14,000 B.C., and this tale takes place in 1889, during the British occupation of Zein’s homeland. At this time, Zein maintains a secret identity of Dr. Kabil, a trainee of the British Dr. Livingston. Livingston is a decent man, not prone to looking down upon the natives as many of his countrymen do, but in his efforts to help the natives, he unwittingly unleashes a powerful monstrosity which Zein must dispatch.
Cobb: Off the Leash 1-3 (IDW Publishing) — This tale, written by manly Beau Smith and illustrated by Eduardo Barreto, is a straight-forward action flick in comic form. Cobb is a former Secret Service agent with a penchant for getting into trouble. He opts to go work with his former friend and mentor as a private investigator just as a Russian mobster’s wife tries to run away and seeks help staying hidden from her husband. Of course, she seeks help from Cobb and his new partner. Of course, the bad guys follow her. Of course, mayhem ensues. This is the kind of testosterone action Smith specializes in, and he does it well.
Impossible Tales 1 ( After Hours Press) — I’m always on the lookout for some off-beat sci-fi, time-travel or alternate reality tale, and that’s what this two-parter seemed to promise. Too bad the execution on this comic didn’t quite live up to the promises made in the promos. The story isn’t that complicated, but the flow from panel to panel is not as smooth, sometimes, as it should be.
52 Week 17 (DC Comics) — We drop in on Luthor’s new team of “heroes” and witness Red Tornado’s latest rebirth briefly, but the bulk of this issue is devoted to the space-faring heroes in their efforts to return home. Instead, they run into Lobo. This issue was a little disappointing, but then, I don’t much care for Lobo, so .....
Teen Titans 38-39 (DC Comics) — These two books kick off Titans Around the World in which Robin, Wonder Girl, Cyborg, Ravager and Kid Devil track Raven, trying to find her and uncover a possible traitor. The idea is to introduce us to the various new characters who served as Titans during the missing year, as the current team retraces Raven’s steps in visiting several of these past members. The problem is, since we readers don’t know these new “old” characters, it’s a little hard to care what happens to them. We meet Miss Martian and Zatara, and I am curious if she’s green or white or what, but otherwise, meh. Then we get to the characters we HAVE seen before. Initially, it was good to see Red Star again, but he seems to not be doing so well since the deaths of Wildebeast and Pantha, which is understandable. And what is up with Risk? He’s an almost homeless thief? What the hell?!? I’m sticking around for more, but almost out of morbid curiosity than enjoyment.
Dang, am I being overly critical of my comics lately? Seems like more of my reviews are coming up minuses of late. Hmmm .....
Several months ago, I heard about AK Comics, a small company producing superhero comics, but with Middle Eastern settings and characters. The concept of the familiar-style heroes done in and by another culture sounded interesting to me, so I read some more. Apparently the company is a couple years old and has already been publishing their line in the Middle East. They are just now bringing the comics to the U.S.
I decided to give them a try, just to see how different they were, how good, if I liked them. Unfortunately, by the time I’d heard of them, it was too late to order the first issue of their four titles. I figured, hey, the first issue would be nice, but I’m just trying them out, so I’ll take what I can get and worry about the first issues later, if I like what I read. So I ordered the fourth issues of Aya, Jalila, Rakan and Zein, all of which arrived with my most recent shipment of new comics.
My initial reactions are somewhat mixed, but I am interested enough to try some more. The art on all four titles is somewhat more cartoony than I would have expected from the covers. Most of the color interiors are along the lines of Justice League Unlimited or something similar. All of the characters are set slightly in a “post-apocalyptic future” that doesn’t look that much different from today to me so far. Rakan is set in the past. In these particular issues, Aya and Jalila, both female leads, were obviously part of ongoing stories, while Rakan and Zein, both males, were stand-alone stories, a little more satisfying in a trial issue. If I had to pick a favorite of the four right now, it would probably be Zein. A least favorite so far would by Aya. The one I most want to like would be Jalila. For a little more information, read on.
Aya, Princess of Darkness 4 (AK Comics) — This young woman, Rania, is a skilled fighter with a quick mind, but no actual powers — think Batgirl or a non-sonic Black Canary. She takes direction from a benefactor, Number Zero, who supplies her with information and targets, then works to bring them to justice. A new power has moved in and has been killing off rival gang bosses in an effort to take control of crime in Aya’s city. She tries to intervene and prevent the slayings of two crime bosses, but fails each time against the assassin, One Bullet. Still, she is deemed a threat, and the mastermind threatens to add three other costumed assassins to One Bullet in an effort to slay Aya in the next issue.
Jalila, Protector of the City of All Faiths 4 (AK Comics) — Ansam is a nuclear scientist who also possesses a radiation suit designed by her parents which helps her focus her powers into electrical radiation blasts of varying intensity. This issue begins after Jalila has been captured by an enemy. She revives and escapes by burning her guards, telling them, “ Don’t worry about those radiation burns on your necks — they’ll go away in about a year! In the meantime, stay out of trouble or the next burn marks will be permanent!” Much of the rest of the issue alternates between Jalila trying to determine what the bad guys are planning, and checking up on her two brothers, one of whom has unknowingly gotten mixed up with the villains.
Rakan, the Lone Warrior 4 (AK Comics) — For this character, think Conan in Egypt. The young child was part of a nomadic tribe slaughtered by barbarians. Little Rakan, the lone survivor, was taken in and raised by a sabertooth cat. Raised in this environment, next to his brother sabertooth, Arameh, the young man grew to adulthood. Upon leaving the sabertooths, he met a mystic leader in a hidden oasis. This man taught Rakan to fight, and in exchange, Rakan now wandres the desert searching for the man’s kidnapped daughter. In this issue, Rakan and Arameh come across the aftermath of a fierce battle. Rakan rescues a single female captive still alive, and at her urging, takes her to the nearest kingdom where she says she was sent on a peace mission. Once in the kingdom, however, Rakan finds things not as he expected.
Zein, the Last Pharaoh 4 (AK Comics) — Zein, like Aya and Jalila, typically takes place in the future. However, the character is supposed to be almost immortal, having been born in 14,000 B.C., and this tale takes place in 1889, during the British occupation of Zein’s homeland. At this time, Zein maintains a secret identity of Dr. Kabil, a trainee of the British Dr. Livingston. Livingston is a decent man, not prone to looking down upon the natives as many of his countrymen do, but in his efforts to help the natives, he unwittingly unleashes a powerful monstrosity which Zein must dispatch.
Cobb: Off the Leash 1-3 (IDW Publishing) — This tale, written by manly Beau Smith and illustrated by Eduardo Barreto, is a straight-forward action flick in comic form. Cobb is a former Secret Service agent with a penchant for getting into trouble. He opts to go work with his former friend and mentor as a private investigator just as a Russian mobster’s wife tries to run away and seeks help staying hidden from her husband. Of course, she seeks help from Cobb and his new partner. Of course, the bad guys follow her. Of course, mayhem ensues. This is the kind of testosterone action Smith specializes in, and he does it well.
Impossible Tales 1 ( After Hours Press) — I’m always on the lookout for some off-beat sci-fi, time-travel or alternate reality tale, and that’s what this two-parter seemed to promise. Too bad the execution on this comic didn’t quite live up to the promises made in the promos. The story isn’t that complicated, but the flow from panel to panel is not as smooth, sometimes, as it should be.
52 Week 17 (DC Comics) — We drop in on Luthor’s new team of “heroes” and witness Red Tornado’s latest rebirth briefly, but the bulk of this issue is devoted to the space-faring heroes in their efforts to return home. Instead, they run into Lobo. This issue was a little disappointing, but then, I don’t much care for Lobo, so .....
Teen Titans 38-39 (DC Comics) — These two books kick off Titans Around the World in which Robin, Wonder Girl, Cyborg, Ravager and Kid Devil track Raven, trying to find her and uncover a possible traitor. The idea is to introduce us to the various new characters who served as Titans during the missing year, as the current team retraces Raven’s steps in visiting several of these past members. The problem is, since we readers don’t know these new “old” characters, it’s a little hard to care what happens to them. We meet Miss Martian and Zatara, and I am curious if she’s green or white or what, but otherwise, meh. Then we get to the characters we HAVE seen before. Initially, it was good to see Red Star again, but he seems to not be doing so well since the deaths of Wildebeast and Pantha, which is understandable. And what is up with Risk? He’s an almost homeless thief? What the hell?!? I’m sticking around for more, but almost out of morbid curiosity than enjoyment.
Dang, am I being overly critical of my comics lately? Seems like more of my reviews are coming up minuses of late. Hmmm .....
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